2013 Fall Ltd 514e - Pics Added

[Glen]

I know, I know... No pics, it never happened.  So they are now added.

I pre-ordered a 514e.  After doing so, I regretted ordering as I have never ever really bonded with any Hog Taylor.  To me the Hog Taylor always lacked something from the Martin and Gibson's I have owned. So, plan was to play the guitar, confirm I was not going to like and return to dealer.

My, my, my, was I ever surprised. Today, my new 514e showed up at my house.  I opened the case and thought, OK, she looks nice. But what Taylor doesn't, right?  How does she sound?  Boys and girls, this is one of the finest sounding Taylors I have ever owned and I have owned a few.  Wow, the warmth of cedar but the headroom and clarity of Sitka.  What a homerun for Taylor. I am not trying to offend anyone here, but this 514 sounds nothing like any Taylor hog I have ever played. Don't know if this is a special one or they are all awesome.

But Glen, what about the new ES system?  I have only played one pickup system that rocked my plugged in world and that was the Trance Audio Amulet system in the Jackson Browne Signature J45.  This my friends is on that level.  Wow, no comparison to the system in my Fall Ltd Koa. None.  This actually sounds just like the guitar amplified. Has considerably more volume too at same settings as the 2011 Koa.  Unfortunately I want my Koa ES upgraded now.

I am told not many Fall 514/516e's being made. Perhaps one of you well connected (Ted) can answer that.

Mine is more figured than flame which I am pleased with.

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

Congrats Glen! And yes, without pictures it never happened. 

[Strumming Fool]

Congrats Glen! I have a 514e from 2001 with an Engelmann top (older style Taylor bracing of course). I've always felt that this guitar stood heads and shoulders above most other hog guitars because of that top. To me, it has been a "guitar for all seasons". (I also upgraded its electronics from the older Fishman system to the 2010 ES.) As such, I'm very excited about trying out one of these FLTD 514e's to see whether Taylor has taken this concept to the next level. We shall see...in the meantime, best wishes for you and your new baby. Enjoy!

[Edward]

Gorgeous!  Indeed, I love the figuring on your mahog, and the top is stunning!  The wood binding that echoes the rosette is like a wood equivalent of the full-abalone treatment.  Huge congrats on a beautiful Taylor!

But wait!!!  What in the world is going on with that bridge?!!  Did Taylor go and update the ES on the sly?  Someone in the know, please inform as I had been looking for an excuse to update one of my Gen2 guits to a Gen 3, but am holding off in speculation of another improvement.  Do tell, someone!!

Edward

[Glen]

Gorgeous!  Indeed, I love the figuring on your mahog, and the top is stunning!  The wood binding that echoes the rosette is like a wood equivalent of the full-abalone treatment.  Huge congrats on a beautiful Taylor!

But wait!!!  What in the world is going on with that bridge?!!  Did Taylor go and update the ES on the sly?  Someone in the know, please inform as I had been looking for an excuse to update one of my Gen2 guits to a Gen 3, but am holding off in speculation of a another improvement.  Do tell, someone!!

Edward

Yes Edward.  There were rumors of an updated ES on the 514 Fall LTD's.  The three "screws" are adjustments tuned specific to the saddle and bridge.  Each screw represents 2 of the six strings.  Apparently if you change the saddle the screws/strings need to be calibrated to the new saddle. I can tell you there is a huge difference in the transparent sound of the amplified guitar. HUGE.  I don't know when and if this will be offered as an option or standard equipment. I can tell you I would pay a couple hundred bucks more over the standard ES now available.

[Edward]

Alrighty, Glen ...I don't know if I should thank you or curse you! 

This is the very first I've heard of an update as I had been "timing" an ES factory update for some time now (which is why I was holding out on upgrading my Gen2).  But as for cost, or even if it is available as a retrofit-upgrade ...well now you got my gears turning ...always a dangerous thing (that ends up costing me money).  Alrighty, I decided: thank you!


Edward

[stepchildusmc]

are those allen head adjusters for the pickups in the bridge Glen?

[jsundrla]

That's a beautiful guitar, Glen. I'm glad you're happy with the sound especially since you were expecting to be unhappy with it. Don't we love pleasant surprises? Enjoy it.

John

[Glen]

are those allen head adjusters for the pickups in the bridge Glen?

Yes, but apparently you don't have to adjust unless you change the saddle. I am extraordinarily pleased with the sound as is.

[M19]

Got yourself a winner there, Glen! I love my all-hog Taylor, they know what they're doing.

[joshsimpson79]

Look great.  Glad it sounds great!

[jjrpilot-admin]

This new updated ES system really intrigues me...

[Redwood Tree]

Very nice looking GA, the mahogany is a very  nice color , I like the non cutaway The whole package works , I cant remember what the top wood is? Did they use Itialian alpine spruce?

Doe's it sound crystal clear?  I can only emagine,  Nice  Congrats 

[TaylorGirl]

Very nice indeed. Gotta love the Taylor mahogany's. Yours is beautiful with those appointments. Have fun with it.

[shorty]

Very nice guitar Glen!! Sounds like you are one of the first folk here with the updated ES...Enjoy!